The Prince's Residence Under the Night

Because Wang Zhiguo had seen her before, Chen Yage didn’t dare to linger at the main gate, lest a chance encounter disrupt her plans. She wandered cautiously, glancing east and west, and after about the time it takes to burn an incense stick, she found herself in the rear courtyard of the prince’s mansion—a place so deserted that “rarely visited” seemed an understatement.

Just then, an elderly man, perhaps around fifty, emerged from the back gate pushing a cart. He wore faded gray clothes, patched in several places; it reminded Chen Yage of the grimy, foul-smelling garments she’d worn when she first arrived. Yet now, she felt no contempt. The old man’s hair was snow-white, his face deeply lined, as if mountains overlapped upon his skin, and his small eyes radiated a gentle warmth.

To avoid being noticed, Chen Yage hid in the corner by the wall, only approaching the back gate once the old man had moved away. The rear gate, though secondary, was far larger than any ordinary household’s, its thick wooden panels painted a striking vermilion that gleamed in the sunlight. Even the lock was new and polished.

In broad daylight, Chen Yage was not so foolish as to barge into the prince’s mansion and steal. After familiarizing herself with the surroundings, she returned to the ruined temple and shared her plan with Yihu, asking him to wait nearby for support—not true support, merely to stand by outside the mansion. If she was to steal, she’d need to sell the goods for a worthy cause, and nothing seemed more meaningful at that moment than rescuing Li Bai.

They agreed to exchange the stolen items at the rear gate, and as the sun dipped below the horizon, Chen Yage and Yihu loitered outside the mansion.

When night fell, Yihu took up his post at the corner of the rear courtyard wall. Chen Yage suddenly realized that if caught by Wang Zhiguo, he would likely mete out private punishment rather than hand her over to Xu Yushi for imprisonment. To ensure her plan’s success, she decided to seek You Huan’s help first. Knowing You Huan would try to stop her if he learned she intended to steal from the prince, she wrote him a letter claiming she’d been detained by the prince’s men and asked him to seek help from Xu Jin. She entrusted the letter to Little Stone, and with these preparations made, the night deepened.

The streets were emptying, and when she judged the timing right, Chen Yage produced a rope she’d prepared in advance, scaled the outer wall, and slipped into the rear courtyard. She’d half expected to be confronted by a vicious dog, as in Fengying Tower, but nothing appeared, which surprised her.

The garden was shadowy and silent, moonlight filtering through the trees. Chen Yage crept carefully under their branches, her heart uneasy.

It was her first time inside the prince’s mansion, and unfamiliar with its layout, she relied on instinct. Wang Zhiguo’s room would undoubtedly be the largest and most splendid; but Chen Yage wasn’t foolish enough to target it. Around the prince’s chamber there were usually studies, and those often housed valuable items, so she set her sights on the study.

Just as she resolved to proceed, a fragrant aroma drifted by, powerfully stirring her hunger. A group of maids in green robes appeared, each carrying a tray, six or seven in total—the impressive display suggested they were serving Wang Zhiguo. Chen Yage, inwardly, couldn’t help but scorn him again; regardless of era, there seemed always to be gluttony behind gilded doors while bones froze in the streets.

Nevertheless, these maids could unwittingly guide her, so Chen Yage quietly followed. The maids turned left and right, winding through corridors, their path twisting like the bends of the Yangtze River. After what felt like an eternity, as Chen Yage began to feel like a stalker, the maids entered a grand courtyard.

Outside the courtyard, two men stood guard, their cold expressions inviting trouble. Entering directly was impossible, so Chen Yage circled to a wall and climbed over.

The courtyard was vast, encircled by ancient trees, flowers blooming in profusion beneath the moonlight, their scent carried by the evening breeze. It was enchanting, but Chen Yage remained vigilant.

Suddenly, a loud crash echoed—a vessel had shattered. Chen Yage hid among the flowers, alert. Then came Wang Zhiguo’s furious voice: “Useless fools, get out of my sight!” The maids and servants quietly filed out of the room, heads bowed.

Once they had departed, Chen Yage approached the room. She pierced the paper window with her finger to peer inside. Wang Zhiguo sat alone at the table, surrounded by delicacies—the very dishes the maids had just delivered. On the floor lay a broken cup, its contents—wine or tea—spilled everywhere.

Wang Zhiguo poured himself drink after drink, and Chen Yage waited patiently. It would be easier to search for valuables once he was drunk—unless Xu Jin arrived before Wang Zhiguo was intoxicated, and she was caught and thrown in prison before stealing anything.

Wang Zhiguo’s tolerance proved remarkable; after half an incense stick’s time, he remained clear-headed, drinking and cursing incessantly. Whoever had angered him, Chen Yage had no time to ponder. She slipped into an adjacent room; since it was dark inside, she left the door ajar so the light from the prince’s chamber could spill in.

Suddenly, a hand clamped over Chen Yage’s mouth. She struggled, but then heard a familiar voice: “Yage, it’s me—don’t shout!”

It was You Huan. He released her, and she asked, confused, “Why are you here?”

“If I hadn’t come, how would I know what you’re really planning?” You Huan had received the letter from Little Stone that afternoon, recalled Chen Yage’s mysterious words at the ruined temple, and, worried for her safety, had hurried over alone, sending Little Stone straight to Xu’s residence.

Chen Yage gave an awkward laugh. Having another person meant another helping hand, but she didn’t want to implicate You Huan, so she said, “You should go. I still have something to do here. Once I’m finished, I’ll leave.”

“What exactly are you planning?” You Huan asked, bewildered. “Don’t you know how dangerous the prince’s mansion is? If Wang Zhiguo discovers us, do you really think we can escape easily?”

“It’s precisely because I know the risks that I called you here. Also, if I end up in prison, don’t try to rescue me—that’s my own choice. I want to be with Brother Bai.”

“This is your plan? I thought you were a clever woman, but now it seems you’re utterly foolish! Or have I simply always overestimated you?” There was growing anger in You Huan’s voice.